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We've all heard 'Wife' by (G)I-DLE, and we all agree that it's an absolute bop, but what does it mean?
Ever since (G)I-DLE dropped 'Wife', the internet has been bustling with discourse and hot takes over the message behind 'Wife'. It doesn't take long to realize the feminist undertones but there is far more to it than just that. (G)I-DLE brings us an incredibly clever, educated, and biting message through 'Wife' - every element of which is worth analysis. So, let's get into it!
Who Is (G)I-DLE's 'Wife' Addressed To?
The key to grasping the true meaning behind 'Wife' is acknowledging the purpose and intention behind the song. 'Wife' is directly addressed to the heteronormative male gaze. It is safe to assume that the "you" and "your" in the lyrics refers to a heterosexual man because it is from heteronormative relationships that the concept of a traditional or rather, the conventional wife comes from. The song is not, presumably, addressed to queer couples. At the same time, it is not just any man that (G)I-DLE is pointing at with this song, thus allaying suspicions of "man-hating" feminism. The song employs a sharp "if the shoe fits" approach, targeting the oppressive, patriarchal individual who adheres to outdated values from an era preceding feminism. By doing so, the song aims to critique and challenge the mindset of those who uphold patriarchal norms rather than presenting a broad critique of all men.
Is (G)I-DLE's 'Wife' Degrading Housewives?
'Wife' presents a critique of patriarchy through the idea of a traditional wife, as conceived by such a society. The song does not intend to criticize women or their independent choice to embrace the traditional role of a wife. This aligns with a key principle of third-wave feminism, emphasizing individual empowerment and the right to personal agency. Thus, the song maintains a clear distinction – it is not a reproach aimed at women autonomously choosing the traditional role of a wife. Instead, it speaks to the poignant reality of women coerced into such roles against their volition. At 0:50 in the music video, we quite literally see the girls being stomped on, representing the tyrannical forces that seek to suppress and dominate women, embodying a visual metaphor for the oppressive nature of the societal expectations imposed upon them.
This message is evident from the get-go with the lyric, "want me your wife, but she is mm, mm, mm". The lack of a first-person singular pronoun "I" in this line, which is substituted by "she", indicates a lack of agency and sense of self. The speaker has been forced to distance herself from her own identity and experiences to cater to the patriarchy. The emphasis is on what he wants, which is for her to be his wife, and not what she would like. The only time "I" is used in this verse is when the speaker references the tasks assigned to her, notably cooking and cleaning.
This pattern continues until the very last verse, where the speaker finally asserts their identity and personal choice, "But I don't wanna", admitting that the traditional role of a wife that she is expected to conform to is infringing on her human rights.
In conclusion, no, (G)I-DLE's 'Wife' is not derogatory towards housewives. Instead, it serves as a platform for amplifying the voices of women who continue to face oppression under patriarchal structures. The critique within the song doesn't center on the fact of being a "wife" per se; rather, it addresses the objectionable aspect of being compelled or coerced into assuming that role.
How Is (G)I-DLE's 'Wife' A Satire?
Satire is a literary or artistic genre that uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to criticize and deride people, politics, society, or any aspect of human behavior. The primary purpose of satire is often to bring about change by exposing and criticizing the flaws or shortcomings in individuals, institutions, or societal norms. Satire often relies on irony, sarcasm, and parody to highlight the absurdities or contradictions in the subject matter being satirized.
(G)I-DLE's 'Wife' is a satire in the way it presents heteronormative gender roles, such as women being relegated to cooking, cleaning, and pleasing their husbands. In such a society, women, or more specifically, wives, are viewed as sexual objects, yet the (G)I-DLE members wear oversized tees and sweatpants, thus refusing to cater to the male gaze. However, that doesn't mean they are stripping themselves of their sexuality. No, they are owning it.
One more purpose the costumes serve is that the uniformity symbolizes how wives are denied their own identities and must live by the title of so and so's "wife" - a word that is bedazzled on their tees.
In another instance of brilliance, the members never mouth the words to the song except for the final verse. In a patriarchal societal framework, the conventional expectations imposed upon wives often entail restricted verbal expression, resulting in a diminished agency or voice within the prevailing power structure. The members "speaking" in the last verse shows them breaking free from patriarchy and standing in their own power.
Why Are The Lyrics Of 'Wife' Non-Sensical?
(G)I-DLE embraces a brand of absurdism in 'Wife'. Absurdist literature often uses absurd situations and narratives to expose the inherent contradictions and irrationality in human behavior and societal systems. Through the use of humor, irony, and paradox, they prompt audiences to think deeply about the meaning and purpose of their actions and beliefs. It challenges the status quo, delves into the complexities of existence and social dynamics, and fosters a critical perspective that can lead to heightened social awareness.
The lack of structure, meaning, nonsensical words, and repetition of the same in 'Wife' are all characteristics of an absurdist text. The lyrics represent a breakdown in communication, evoking a sense of "comedy", which in turn invites us to recognize the absurdity in the situation, in patriarchy. We, as an audience, are seeking meaning in the lyrics of 'Wife', and (G)I-DLE refuses to provide the same, which creates the tension of absurdity. This is masterful songwriting, even literary, I would say and deserves due appreciation. Props to SoYeon for co-writing such a fantastic piece of art and the members for bringing out the delicate nuances in the same with utmost perfection. 'Wife' by (G)I-DLE is a masterpiece.
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